Government: Australian minister's white farmer remarks ‘regrettable'
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says every decision on land expropriation is guided by the Constitution.
Government says it is in contact with the Australian government over a minister's calls to have the visa applications of white farmers to Australia fast-tracked.
"We regret that the Australian government chose not to use the available diplomatic channels to raise concerns or to seek clarification on the land redistribution process in South Africa," reads a statement by the International Relations Department.
Australia’s Minister of Home Affairs Paul Dutton believes white farmers in South Africa deserve special attend due to the “horrific” circumstances they face.
Government insists that land reform would be orderly, and called on organisations such as Afriforum to refrain from spreading "incorrect information sowing panic and fear".
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday afternoon again stressed in the National Assembly that land expropriation without compensation should not have a negative impact on the economy.
He told MPs that amending the Constitution is only one of the measures government is considering to accelerate land redistribution.
"There is no reason for any government anywhere in the world to suspect that any South African is in danger from their own democratically-elected government," says Dirco.
It adds the diplomatic channels between South Africa and Australia remain open.